THE research into all cancers between 1991 and 2010 revealed more than 11,000 Scots aged 65 or older have survived at least 10 years after diagnosis.

MORE than 11,000 Scots have survived for at least 10 years after being diagnosed with cancer at the age of 65 or older, new research has shown.

The research, produced by Macmillan Cancer Support and the National Cancer Intelligence Network (NCIN) looked at all cancers over the 20-year period 1991-2010.

It also found that 735 Scots diagnosed at 80 or over have survived for at least 10 years.

The findings come after research at the end of last year found older people in the UK have higher mortality rates than older people in other countries.

An international study showed that for many common cancers such as prostate, breast, lung, stomach, ovary, kidney and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, the UK and Ireland have a lower five-year survival rate than the rest of Europe for patients of all ages, however the gap is generally greatest for patients over 75.

Macmillan is calling on the NHS to use assessment methods which test a patient's overall physical and mental well-being to ensure treatment decisions are not based on age alone.

The charity also wants the Scottish Government to make sure its Detect Cancer Early programme is encouraging older people to talk to their doctor if they have any worries about cancer.

Janice Preston, Macmillan's general manager in Scotland, said: "It's good news many older people are surviving cancer and it's important older people, their families, and health professionals know cancer can be successfully treated, even for someone well over pension age.

"However it's worrying older people in the UK have higher mortality rates than those in other countries and we need to understand why this is.

"We know older people may be reluctant to visit the doctor and might face barriers to treatment including other health problems or lack of support at home. Older people themselves or health professionals may also make assumptions on their ability to go through treatment.

"However it's vital we ensure any potential barriers to treatment are picked up and tackled as this research shows older people can be successfully treated.

"I would urge any older people who have been diagnosed with cancer and who would like to talk through their treatment options and find out about the support available to them to give Macmillan's Support Line a call and talk to a specialist cancer nurse."